TRAI and DoT both say they're committed to net neutrality. But the DoT paper says it wants to regulate VoIP calls within the country...

Commitment to the core principles of net neutrality is the bedrock for our examination of issues involved. On VoIP services, DoT favours removing regulatory arbitrage between similar and competing services. It can't be anybody's case that one technology or service triumphs, not because of competitive advantage but due to a regulatory regime. The impact of any regulation, if we propose any, on over-the-top services will be considered in all its facets.

How will you distinguish a domestic WhatsApp or Skype call from an international one?

Service providers have tools to distinguish between such calls. One such is called Deep Packet Inspection.

How will Digital India happen without adequate spectrum?

TRAI has recommended that more spectrum be made available in various spectrum bands for commercial purposes. Government plans to make available an additional 2x15 MHz in the 2100 MHz band, 20 MHz in the 2300 MHz band and 20 MHz in the 2500 MHz band. On TRAI's recommendations, for the first time, the government plans to auction 2x35 MHz in the 700 MHz band. The 700 MHz band will be key to broadband proliferation.

The government wants operators to compensate consumers for call drops. How will this work?

By using data analytics. We must identify the cause of each call drop. Once we pin-point the reasons we can come to the compensation method.

This isn't WHO's stand but of the former head of WHO EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Project Mike Repacholi, who told Business Standard in 2013: "India's decision to reduce the power of the base stations won't minimize risk. If you reduce the power of a base station, your mobile transmits more frequency to stay connected to the network. As the handset is closer to the body, it could cause health hazards." The WHO statement says: "...To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use..." Cellphone EMF radiation, although safe, is higher than what a consumer is exposed to from a mobile tower.

Towers are being removed due to health concerns causing call drops. How'll you ensure efficient mobile telephony if there aren't enough towers?

There is no scientific evidence establishing causality between EMF radiation from towers or mobiles and disease in human beings. People must understand that an efficient mobile network depends on towers.

How frequently do you impose fines for non-compliance?

TRAI has been imposing fines on service providers from March 2013. We've imposed around Rs 9.3 crore in fines. Operators have deposited around Rs 8.3 crore.

Does TRAI need more teeth?

TRAI has effectively discharged its duties. But, it must be strengthened to directly penalize TSPs for violations. TRAI now has to approach a court to impose penalties, which is ineffective. It should be empowered to be an effective watchdog.

Your priorities?

We must deal with call drops, net neutrality and deployment of broadband. We'll do data analytics of call drops and tell operators to resolve the problem. On net neutrality the final position paper will be released in 3-4 months. We'll ensure our inputs help achieve the 'broadband for all' target.